ADA Signage 101: What are ADA signs and why do they matter?

ADA signage is present in just about every public building in the US. We spend our whole lives surrounded by it in schools, churches, airports, doctor’s offices, restaurants– you name it. Most of us never really give it much thought. It simply exists, telling us where to go in a new place.

ADA signs with a sleek outline and unique color accent.

Why are ADA signs important?

The passage of the laws outlined in the ADA make sure that public spaces, above all, are safe and accessible for those with disabilities. Before these laws were passed in 1990, no comprehensive laws existed to protect the rights and comfort of Americans with disabilities.

The ADA’s most recent revision in 2010 is a 200+ page document going into great detail about requirements for buildings. Most notably, it explains the way ADA-compliant signs are supposed to look.

These details help readers understand how to make public spaces accessible. Both visual and physical accessibility are crucial to ensure that the estimated 3.4 million Americans with vision impairment can safely find their way.

Do all ADA signs have to look exactly the same?

A laser-cut ADA sign in a custom shape.

The guidelines in the 2010 revision of the ADA Standards document give information about accessible, compliant sign design. However, its rules may seem a little strict and visually limiting.

What if your building has its own set of design standards? What can be done to make the ADA signage fit in with the general design concept of the building’s other signage?

ADA signage is required by law, but it doesn’t have to be boring.

The font used on your signs can’t be too ornamental. They must be a certain size and a certain distance away from other visual elements. ADA guidelines only permit certain colors and materials. For example, signs can’t have a glossy, reflective finish– only nonglare, matte materials can be used.

Every sign we create is custom-built. Our talented designers are ADA experts so you don’t have to be. Most importantly, we work one-on-one with customers to ensure that the wholesale signs we make fit your vision and your budget.

You can meet the sign requirements and still be unique.

A custom-designed ADA-compliant sign with unique graphics and a clean layout.

We can match any paint color with our cutting-edge paint color technology. Precision laser-cutting and a massive variety of sign materials and colors help us make sure your signs look good. Finally, our wholesale pricing allows you to make sure signs don’t break the bank.

Contact us today for a free quote on your wholesale ADA signs. We share a common goal with our customers: to make signs that look great and get people where they need to go.

We’ll be happy to talk you through the process and make sure your signs look great and pass inspections!